New tenancy sustainment service from Enfield Council
- 20 Mar
Enfield Council's Homelessness Strategy 2013-18 has shown plans to reduce the number of households in temporary accommodation by delivering a tenancy sustainment service.
With the number of homeless families rising in the north London borough, Enfield Council have devised a strategy to reduce the 2,179 people in temporary accommodation by 1,000 through a new tenancy sustainment service. This service aims to prevent evictions and respond to the lack of housing options available for single people and couples under the age of 35 who have no children.
The council's figures show that the number of new homelessness cases was 256 in 2011/12, which rose to 551 in 2012/13 and continued to rise to 562 between April 2013 and the end of February this year, reports North London Today.
Ahmet Oykener, cabinet member for housing, said: "We are seeing a rise in evictions by private landlords which
unfortunately are legal. Because of cuts to benefits, landlords are more reluctant to take people on housing benefit and people fall into arrears. At the same time there is a real dogfight going on between local authorities, with Enfield often losing out because inner London councils with bigger budgets can offer landlords a better deal. This is all leading to a rise in evictions."These plans to tackle homelessness also come alongside a housing strategy which proposes to set up a property company to buy around 100 homes over five years costing £500m.
What do you think of this? Tweet us your comments @suppsolutions
Image source: http://www.sxc.hu/photo/1428066
Related articles
Responding to the DWP Consultation: Housing Benefit Reform - Supported Housing "Found the seminar very informative and gave an interesting and full insight into current thinking about the consultation. Michael was a very engaging and knowledgeable presenter and encouraged interaction with the audience which led to further relevant points being shared with the room. I shall certinaly look out for future events!" M.E. - Care Housing Association